title: "Love hurts": romantic attachment and depressive symptoms in pregnant adolescent and young adult couples.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current study investigates the relationship between romantic attachment style and depressive symptoms between both members of pregnant adolescent and young adult couples.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 296 pregnant young females (mean age = 18.7) and their male partners (mean age = 21.3; 592 total participants) who were recruited from obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Connecticut. The dimensions of avoidant and anxious romantic attachment were assessed using the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results showed that avoidant attachment and anxious attachment were significantly positively related to depressive symptoms. Multilevel modeling for partner effects revealed that anxious attachment and depressive symptoms in partners were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings underscore the importance of considering couples-based approaches to supporting the transition to parenthood and developing the necessary self and relationship skills to manage attachment needs and relationship challenges.
authors.affiliation: Yale University.
authors.forename: Alethea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Desrosiers
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sipsma
authors.forename: Tamora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Callands
authors.forename: Nathan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Divney
authors.forename: Urania
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Magriples
authors.forename: Trace
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kershaw
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008149:Love; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment; D011247:Pregnancy; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adolescents; couples; depression; pregnancy; romantic attachment